Release Detail

July 18, 2002 - Bloomberg Almost Even With Giuliani,
Quinnipiac University Poll Finds;
Most Expect Mayor Will Improve Schools

Just six months into his term, Mayor Bloomberg has moved from a virtual unknown
among New York City voters to a near-tie with former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani,
according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today.

Asked who they would like to see elected Mayor in 2005, 40 percent of New York
City voters said Giuliani, while 36 percent chose Bloomberg; 11 percent want neither and
12 percent are undecided.

Voters approve 57 - 23 percent of the job Bloomberg is doing, compared to 62 -
16 percent in a March 27 poll by the independent Quinnipiac University.

By a 64 - 23 percent margin, voters expect Bloomberg to make "substantial
progress" in improving public schools in the next three years.

Bloomberg's handling of the public schools will be "very important" in deciding
how they vote in the 2005 mayoral election, 51 percent of New Yorkers say, while 32
percent say it will be "somewhat important."

"New Yorkers to Mayor Mike: Good luck with the public schools. We think
you'll keep your promise to fix the problem, but we'll be keeping a close eye on you,"
said Maurice Carroll, director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.

"Giuliani remains the hero of September 11, 'America's Mayor.' One way to
measure our new Mayor after his first six months is to ask voters to compare him to
Giuliani," Carroll said. "The new guy seems to be holding his own."

In an open-ended question, where voters can give any answer, 21 percent of New
Yorkers list education as the most important problem facing the city, the highest this
issues has scored in eight years of Quinnipiac University polling in New York City.
Another 29 percent list the economy as the most important problem.

Only 16 percent of New Yorkers are satisfied with public schools citywide, while
71 percent are not satisfied. Looking at their neighborhood schools, 33 percent are
satisfied, while 50 percent are not satisfied.

Asked to decide what measure would help improve public schools:

74 percent say reducing class size would be very effective;

72 percent say requiring teachers to pass a competency test would be very effective;

65 percent say higher pay for teachers who perform well would be very effective;

56 percent say spending more for schools would be very effective;

54 percent say requiring standardized tests for promotions would be very effective;

47 percent say weekend classes for struggling students would be very effective;

46 percent say higher pay for all teachers would be very effective;

26 percent say increasing the school day would be very effective;

24 percent say increasing the school year would be very effective.

"Favorite item on a menu of suggestions to improve the schools - it's hardly a
surprise - reduce the class size," Carroll said. "Least favorite items are longer school
days or a longer school year. New Yorkers probably don't want more of a bad thing.

"That 71 percent dissatisfaction with public schools has been consistent in
Quinnipiac University polls for years. That's one benchmark to watch now that Mayor
Bloomberg has control of the schools."

From July 8 - 15, Quinnipiac University surveyed 932 New York City registered
voters, with a margin of error of +/- 3.3 percent.

The Quinnipiac University Poll, directed by Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D., conducts
public opinion surveys in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and
nationwide as a public service and for research.

For additional data -- www.quinnipiac.edu or call (203) 582-5201

1. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Michael Bloomberg is handling
his job as Mayor?

20. How important will Mayor Bloomberg's handling of the public schools
be to you in deciding how to vote in the 2005 election for Mayor --
very important, somewhat important, not too important, or not important
at all?

32. Would Providing weekend classes for academically struggling students
be very effective, somewhat effective, not too effective, or not effective
at all in improving the public schools in New York City?

36. Would increasing pay for teachers who demonstrate high performance be
very effective, somewhat effective, not too effective, or not effective at
all in improving the public schools in New York City?

38. Would requiring students to pass standardized tests in order to move on
to the next grade be very effective, somewhat effective, not too effective,
or not effective at all in improving the public schools in New York City?